Windsor Framework: Northern Ireland Secretary calls Protocol revamp 'unbelievably different and novel in just about every way'

By Adam Kula
Published 3rd Mar 2023, 10:04 BST
Updated 3rd Mar 2023, 10:38 BST
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The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has defended the government’s new revamped Protocol deal, calling it an entirely “novel” arrangement, adding that NI’s place in the UK will be affirmed in law.

Chris Heaton-Harris was speaking on the BBC Radio Ulster Good Morning Ulster show this morning, amid a rising tide of unionist concerns about the deal.

There will be “reassurances” written into law to reaffirm Northern Ireland’s place in the UK, he said.

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He told the show that the new deal – named the Windsor Framework – is “unbelievably different and novel in just about every way compared with what we were even trying to negotiate in the Protocol Bill”.

He also said that in “the next few days” the government is going to “codify” exactly how the Stormont Brake will work.

The Stormont Brake can potentially lead to the government vetoing new or amended EU laws in Northern Ireland.

A tranche of existing EU laws will remain unchanged, but Mr Heaton-Harris said that this is “the bare minimum required” to satisfy the EU.

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He also said: "We are clear that Northern Ireland's place in the United Kingdom is secure," he said.

Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris, outside the Northern Ireland Office at Erskine House, Belfast, where he is holding another round table session with Stormont leaders. Picture date: Thursday February 9, 2023.Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris, outside the Northern Ireland Office at Erskine House, Belfast, where he is holding another round table session with Stormont leaders. Picture date: Thursday February 9, 2023.
Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris, outside the Northern Ireland Office at Erskine House, Belfast, where he is holding another round table session with Stormont leaders. Picture date: Thursday February 9, 2023.

"So we'll be looking to bring forward amendments to the Northern Ireland Act of 1998 to provide further assurances on that matter.

"Reassurances in law that Northern Ireland remains an integral part of the United Kingdom and it's the government saying that in primary legislation which is what people are asking for."

Related topics:Northern IrelandChris Heaton-Harris